Andrea Masi confirmed as RBS 6 Nations Player of the Tournament

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 12: Carlo Antonio Del Fava of Italy congratulates team mate Andrea Masi after his try during the RBS Six Nations match between Italy and France at the Stadio Flaminio on March 12, 2011 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Andrea Masi scoring against France in the match of the tournament

Andrea Masi, Italy’s powerful back, has today been announced as the official RBS Player of the Championship for the 2011 RBS 6 Nations. Over 17,000 votes were registered ensuring that the RBS Player of the Championship award was won by an Italian for the first time.

On receiving the trophy, Andrea commented:

“It has been a Championship of highs and lows for the Italian team, our win against France will go down in rugby history but to finish sixth frustrated us all. However, to be named the RBS Player of the Championship is a fantastic way to end what has been one of the most competitive Championships I can remember. We have worked hard this year and can be proud of our achievements. Italian rugby continues to strengthen and we are very happy with our progress as a team. To be the first Italian voted to win this award by the fans is a huge compliment.”

The 2011 RBS Player of the Championship was decided as a result of a public vote, hosted on www.rbs6nations.com. The shortlist was compiled of winners of the RBS Man of the Match award from the first four weekends. Andrea received his for Italy’s historic victory over France, scoring a try in that game as well as in their tie against Scotland.

Andrea Masi won his RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship Award whilst securing over 30% of the votes whilst Fabio Semenzato, also on the shortlist, came in second with just under 12%. The two Italians were closely followed by Sean O’Brien of Ireland and Toby Flood of RBS 6 Nations Champions England, both gaining just over 10% of the votes.

Paul Short

?????????? HOW and can you not think….

Paul Short

Good player, done well, but are you dummies serious……..

Keith

Masi had a couple of decent games in what again was a disappointing tournament for Italy. I know what the rules are about voting but really for Masi to win player of the Tournament is stretching it abit? Parisse made the hard yards to allow room for backs to play into. Parisse held the pack together when the going got tuff. Then we have O’Driscoll, throughout the tournament he was the inspiration for what really was a poor championship(excluding the thrashing of England)for Ireland.
Scotland had Grey, who really looked a player in a awfull Scotland team. England excluding the last match were nobody came out with credit had arguably the 2nd row of the tournament in Palmer, who starred in the previous games.
Really think that the rule only to have man of match is wrong.